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Connor and Max Cumbee lift Joliet Catholic to state

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Connor Cumbee He was excited to contribute to the family atmosphere of Joliet Catholic wrestling.

Connor is a senior. His dad, RyanCoach of the Hilltoppers. His stepsister, Grace LairdShe is also a wrestler who qualified for the girls state competition. And a new name came this season.

Connor’s cousin, MaximumA freshman who made a huge difference right away.

“He and I were very close growing up,” Connor said of himself and Max. “We weren’t sure where he would go to high school. Finally he said, ‘I’ll go to JCA.’

“So I said, ‘Dude, let’s do it.’ We have a year together. ‘Let’s make this special.’ It was pretty special. “I love the child very much.”

Connor and Max got the win Tuesday night as Joliet Catholic returned to state with a 46-18 victory over Lincoln-Way East in the Class 3A dual team division at Downers Grove South.

Max Cumbee (113 pounds), Wisconsin recruit Dillan Johnson (285), Nico Ronchetti (190), Luke Foster (106) and jason hampton (120) all had badges for the Hilltoppers.

Joliet Catholic will face Mount Carmel, which defeated Marmion 70-5, in the state quarterfinals Friday at 5 p.m. at Grossinger Motors Arena in Bloomington.

Northwest football recruiting Caden O’Rourke (215) and Kevin Byrne (144) Lincoln Road had the stings to lead the East.

Joliet Catholic’s Connor Cumbee (left) competes at 150 pounds against Lincoln-Way East’s Domanic Abuja during the Class 3A dual team competition at Downers Grove South on Tuesday, Feb. 20, 2024. (Troy Stolt/Daily Southtown)

Connor Cumbee put the finishing touches on the first trip to the state in Class 3A for the Hilltoppers, who won the Class 2A state title in 2021-22 and finished second last season.

He sealed the victory mathematically with a 3-2 win by 150 points. Domanic Bee In the individual state qualifiers. In the meantime, Cumbee wants to enjoy the final week of JCA wrestling.

“I’ve probably been on the high school scene since birth with (my dad’s) coaching,” Connor said. “I always ask the seniors, ‘Oh my God, how old are these guys, like 30?’ I would look.

“He’s here for me now. Still, I’m excited. It’s time. I enjoy this. Come Saturday night, I’m sure I’ll cry whether we win or lose. “I love this team and I love the program even more.”

Ryan Cumbee appreciates his son’s passion for the team.

“Connor isn’t the most decorated individual athlete I’ve ever coached, but he’s someone who loves his team so much that you have to make him one of the leaders,” Ryan said. “He wants his team’s success more than himself”

Joliet Catholic's Max Cumbee wrestles Lincoln-Way East's JT Theis in a 113-pound match in the Class 3A Downers Grove South Dual Team Regional match between Joliet Catholic and Lincoln-Way East on Tuesday, Feb. 20, 2024 in Downers Grove.  (For Troy Stolt Daily Southtown)
Joliet Catholic’s Max Cumbee faces Lincoln-Way East’s JT Theis at 113 pounds in the Class 3A dual team competition at Downers Grove South on Tuesday, Feb. 20, 2024. (Troy Stolt/Daily Southtown)

Max, meanwhile, had a big freshman season, placing fifth individually at state.

“It was great being here with my uncle and cousin,” Max said. “I learned a lot and those guys pushed me all year long. “Wrestling all season for Coach Ryan has made me so much better.”

As the older cousin, Connor had to control his emotions.

“I got a little teary-eyed when I got placed in this state, I’m not going to lie,” Connor said. “I grew up with him and gave him some guidance, now he will make his own mark.

“I’m so proud of him.”

Joliet Catholic's Connor Cumbee wrestles Lincoln-Way East's Domanic Abuja in a 150-pound match in the Class 3A Downers Grove South Dual Team Regional match between Joliet Catholic and Lincoln-Way East on Tuesday, Feb. 20, 2024, in Downers Grove.  Daily Southtown)
Joliet Catholic’s Connor Cumbee (left) controls Lincoln-Way East’s Domanic Abuja in the Class 3A dual team division at 150 pounds on Tuesday, Feb. 20, 2024, at Downers Grove South. (Troy Stolt/Daily Southtown)

Max had some good role models to teach him about his new team.

“Max has a year to respect his cousin and see what we have in store here at Joliet Catholic,” Ryan said. “This isn’t just about the individual season. This is the team’s time.

“And Max understands that.”

Ryan is also excited about Max’s future.

“The biggest thing this year was getting him to switch to my style of wrestling, which is a little different,” Ryan said. “I was really impressed with how he handled this situation mentally as well.

“I think it will be one of my hammers for years to come.”

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